FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I choose Ciociaria region for my culinary stay?

There are several reasons you should choose Ciociaria for your culinary journey: stunning landscapes and uncontaminated nature, magnificent monuments, impressive archeological ruins, water springs, the very best of Italy’s countryside away from the chaos and pollution of the big cities and close enough to the main routes within reach of Rome and Naples. Moreover, the presence of many great historical remains, from pre-Roman era with its acropolises to the Middle Ages with their abbeys and the “city of the Popes”, passing through Cicero’s hometown.
A lot of world-famous actors and directors were born in Ciociaria, such as Marcello Mastroianni starring in “La Dolce Vita”, Gina Lollobrigida and Vittorio De Sica, director of the 1960 Oscar-winning “Two Women” (original title: La Ciociara) starring Sophia Loren that was shot in this region.
Ciociaria is sadly famous in recent history as a II World War crucial battlefield due to the Montecassino bombing, where hundreds of evidences can still be found.
But it’s when we refer to food and wine that Ciociaria is not second to any other Italian region, thanks to the best quality of the fresh natural ingredients, typical of this uncontaminated land. Its residents’ simplicity and spontaneity, having lived away from mass tourism routes for all their lives, helped to preserve the area from the negative effects of progress and industrialization, thus making possible our organic products be still farmed and cooked employing traditional methods, and in many small villages you can have the sensation of going back 50 years to the most authentic Italy, the “true” one.

Do I need any culinary skill to participate?

Absolutely not. Everyone, with or without cooking experience, can attend our cooking classes. Our qualified chefs and the rest of the staff will assist you to fit your own culinary skills, from beginners to professionals, making sure you enjoy a great time with all of us!

What do I have to bring with me to participate?

We will provide you with any necessary equipment during our cooking classes, including your personal apron which you can bring home as a souvenir!
Our rooms are also equipped with any comfort and a lot of amenities. We also provide you with an American to European electric plug adaptor in each room; if you need more than one for your devices don’t forget to bring them.
Our “tasty excursions” are designed to be easily accessible by everyone. We suggest to bring a pair of sneakers or comfortable shoes, as in some historical towns access by car is restricted and there could be a very small distance to cover on foot to reach some spots. In case of reduced mobility, please let us know in advance during reservation.

How can I reach your place?

Arrival by airplane
The closest international airport is Rome Fiumicino (FCO) airport, 1 hour and 15 minutes from our place. Transfer from and to FCO airport is available at a small additional charge: 75 EUR each way (just a little more than a taxi ride from the airport to Rome’s city center). The cost is per vehicle and can be shared among other guests within the same reservation.

Arrival by train
The closest train station is Roccasecca, 1 hour and 25 minutes from Roma Termini central station. Transfers from and to the local station are included in the price.
If you need assistance, we can help you find the right train. Feel free to contact us or visit the Italian railways website: www.trenitalia.com.

Arrival by car
The location is 15 minutes from the A1 motorway, 1 hour and 15 minutes from both Rome and Naples. If you wish to arrive by car, ask for detailed directions during reservation. Free parking is available next to the building.

What time will you pick us up on arrival? What time is the departure?

For airport pickup, we need to know the scheduled arrival time and terminal number of your flight to Rome Fiumicino (FCO) a few days in advance. The pickup time is determined by the effective arrival time of the latest scheduled flight on that day. Usually flights from North America arrive early in the morning, so you will likely reach the Palazzo for lunch time!
On the following Saturday, the earliest flight scheduled for departure will determine the time all guests leave the Palazzo.

For train arrivals, pickup and return is possible on appointment from/to the nearest train station (Roccasecca) on the Rome to Cassino railway. Just let us know the exact arrival time a few days before your arrival.

How long do cooking classes last?

Cooking classes are held from Monday to Thursday at 4 pm (except Friday at 10 am). They begin shortly after you return from the excursion of the day. They run for 3 to 4 hours, depending on the content of each lesson.

What’s the content of each lesson?

Each of our 4 cooking classes focuses on a different course of Italian culinary tradition.
One lesson is about starters, both hot and cold; the second one will deal with different kinds of pastas with relative sauces; the third lesson will focus on meat courses and typical side dishes; and the last one will include desserts and the real home-made pizza!
The order and contents of the lessons may vary, as everything is made at the moment, depending on the seasonality of fresh local ingredients.

I am an accompanying guest; can I assist during cooking classes?

Unfortunately, space in our professional kitchen is limited, so access during the lessons is restricted to those who want to cook with us. While your partner or friend is attending a lesson, you can sip a glass of wine in the main lounge, have a walk through the alleys of the historical center, admire the gorgeous views or simply relax in your appointed room.

What meals are included?

All meals, inside and outside the Palazzo, are included! Bottled wine is also included!
Everyday you will have: a typical Italian breakfast with fresh products, including espresso and cappuccino; at lunch time a taste of the best locally-produced food and wine while visiting a culinary site during the excursion of the day (i.e. mozzarella di bufala, cured meat, olive sauce bruschetta, etc.); a full dinner (mixed starters, main course and dessert) in the Palazzo dining room including the food you prepared in class and several additions made by our qualified chefs.
Self-produced biodynamic wines will be served during the dinner, with a maximum of 1 bottle per person per day. Extra and special bottles can be opened at a small additional charge.
On your first day, upon your arrival, you will be served a light lunch with several typical Italian starters together with a glass of Prosecco or a selection of our natural wines. In the evening we’ll visit the best local “pizzeria” for a welcome dinner with original wood-burning oven pizza and more.
On our last night together, we’ll take you to one of the best restaurants in the nearby towns for a special multi-course farewell dinner. Here you will see how local natural ingredients can be converted into savory gourmet dishes.
On Saturday morning a full breakfast is served before your departure.

What’s not included in the prepaid rate?

We do our best to include everything you should need during your stay in the all-inclusive prepaid rate. Bottled wines, water, espresso coffee and “amaro” or “limoncello” liquors are included during meals. Service, admissions and taxes are also included. You can leave your wallet home!
There are a few extras available at a small charge, such as: in-room minibar consumptions (except a complimentary bottle of water), soft drinks, hard liquors, bottles of wine exceeding the limit of 1 bottle per person per day (i.e. if there are 10 people dining, up to 10 bottles of different wines can be opened for free!), laundry, dry-cleaning and ironing service.
Souvenirs and cooking equipment to bring home will be available on site at a special discounted price the day before departure.
Custom-tailored activities can also be arranged on request.
Airfare is not included.

What amenities are rooms equipped with?

As we are in a completely renovated ancient building, rooms are slightly different from each other. Every room has its own personality and a different touch of design in the furniture. Their dimensions vary from 18 to 25 square meters (195 to 270 sq. feet). Rooms are available with double or twin beds. An extra bed can be provided in some rooms on request. Rooms are located on the first and second floors, all areas of the building are accessible by elevators.
All the rooms have a private bathroom and the following amenities: mountains and valley view (except one with town center view), air conditioning/heating with adjustable temperature, flat-screen smart TV with local channels and internet access, free unlimited Wi-Fi, wardrobe or closet, clothes rack, marble or parquet floor, shower or bathtub, hairdryer, bidet, free toiletries and towels.
“Mocevò” room has a Jacuzzi tub inside, next to the main bathroom.
“Lauterie” room is situated in a very quiet area of the building and has a private large bathroom next to the room door.
If you would like to require a specific room, please let us know during reservation.

How are your excursions organized?

You will reach all the cultural and culinary sites included in our program on our private air-conditioned luxury 9-seats minivans, with free Wi-Fi on board. Our drivers will pick you up at the main entrance of the Palazzo (no need to walk) and will take you the closest possible to the site you are going to visit.
Should the groups be inferior to 4 guests minivans could be replaced with other comfortable vehicles.
All sites are within 1-hour driving distance from our Palazzo. There could be several stops during each daily excursion. Traffic is not a problem as we choose, whenever possible, comfortable secondary roads with stunning views from your side window. Have your camera at hand!

What language do staff people speak?

All the people working at “I Cook in Italy” and interacting with guests speak English fluently, and Italian of course. A few of them speak French and Spanish too. All explanations during tours are provided by qualified guides in English language. Sometimes the best hints will be provided by local residents who speak Italian only, especially the older ones. In this case, our staff will translate everything, you won’t miss a word of the real stories about our beautiful land.

Are we going to visit some Italian fashion stores?

Yes, we are going to visit a major town in the surroundings with a great deal of high quality fashion shops where you will have the possibility to window-shop or try whatever you like with no need to buy. Here you will also find cheap and trendy clothes, shoes and accessories. During this trip, you will be assisted by our guides giving you hints and suggestions on Italian fashion and style.

Can I buy local products and bring them back to my country?

Import of some foods and alcoholic beverage is restricted in some countries such as United States. Others are admitted in small quantities for personal use. Please check with your country’s customs before arrival. Fortunately, our selected partners already export their best products to a lot of countries, so they already have the necessary authorization. They will be happy to take your orders and process them through their importer based in your country at a unique reserved price.

Can I book a private transfer from/to other Italian locations?

You may want to visit other particular locations of our beautiful country while you’re here and will probably wonder if you can do so. Yes, this is possible.
We can hire for you a private transfer with luxury vehicles from and to any touristic site, such as: Rome city center (1 hour 15 min), Naples (1 hour 30 min), Amalfi coast (2 hours 15 min) and virtually anywhere.
Just let us know where you want to go after your vacation days with us or where you want to be picked up and we will gladly arrange the best service with qualified drivers at a cheaper price than you can find on the Internet.

What are the house rules? (i.e. smoking, pets, etc.)

There are very few rules to be observed during your stay with us.
According to the Italian law, smoking is not allowed in the rooms as well as in any other area inside the building, nor in the minivan during transfers. It is allowed in the open-air areas such as balconies. Please ask us where you can smoke at your arrival.
Pets are not allowed in the building, except for guide dogs with prior authorization.
Access to some areas of the building is restricted to the staff. Guests can enter into the kitchen during cooking classes only, and the wine cellar during visits only. Guests are not allowed in the laundry; this service is provided by our staff at a minimum extra charge.

I have a food allergy/sensitivity, dietary requirement or other special needs. What should I do?

It’s very important you let us know in advance, writing a note in the reservation request. We will do our best adjusting the culinary program to satisfy your needs.

What if I need to modify or cancel my booking? (Cancellation Policy)

Should you need to modify or cancel your reservation for any reason, please contact us as soon as possible. No refund is given after full payment is made. We strongly recommend that you have a travel and/or medical insurance covering your losses in case of cancellation and any unpleasant circumstances during your Italian vacation.
Change requests can be accepted up to 30 days before the arrival date. A 75 EUR rebooking fee will be applied in case of any change to your reservation (dates, rooms, no. of guests, etc.).

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Testimonials

A gorgeous view on the valley, a typical small center very close to the structure. The staff is very friendly and the top is logically the typical food and their wine production as well. You should try it !!!

Daniele M, TripAdvisor

The place is really exceptional. The old building is fantastically restored. Rooms are comfortable. Off the building are amazing views! Breakfast is wonderful!

Hania B, TripAdvisor

A unique place with an amazing atmosphere! Beautifully located, great restored, clean and quiet. Perfect place for short vacations as well as for longer stay. I dearly recommend !!!

Iwona K, TripAdvisor

What a find, luxury in an ancient palazzo!
I wish we had been staying longer. We were extremely well looked after… I hope to go back!